Designed for homeowners, students, and anyone interested in solar energy, this workshop series offers an in-depth exploration of the latest advancements in solar power technology, practical installation considerations, financial considerations, battery storage, and cutting-edge industry trends.
The series runs weekly on Sundays, July 13 – August 10, from 1:00 – 2:00 pm at Southbury Parks & Recreation, 561 Main St South, Southbury, CT. Each week features a different vendor. iSP Solar Pros, Helio Solar & Energy Technologies, Trinity Solar, and PosiGen are scheduled to attend. Additional dates/vendors may be made available – check www.sustainablesouthbury.org/our-events for the latest updates.
Each session features a focused 15-20 minute presentation, followed by an open Q&A session where attendees can ask questions and explore solutions tailored to their needs. Attendees will receive a comprehensive introduction to solar technologies and related systems.
Planned Sample Equipment Demonstrations
We are asking the vendors to bring sample equipment to provide the opportunity to see, touch, and learn about state-of-the-art solar equipment, including solar panels of various types and technologies, battery storage systems, mounting hardware for different applications (roof, ground mount), grid integration hardware, and solar sizing, orientation, and configuration pricing demonstrations.
Key Topics Covered
The workshops will offer deep dives into:
- Solar Panel Technologies: Compare and contrast popular solar panel types, efficiency ratings, warranties, and real-world performance. Discover which technology best suits your environment and budget.
- Battery Systems – Options: Understand the role of battery storage in solar installations. Evaluate key considerations, including battery chemistry, capacity, lifespan, and cost-effectiveness.
- Grid Integration: Learn how solar systems connect to the utility grid, explore hybrid and off-grid configurations, and understand the implications for energy reliability and self-sufficiency.
- Financial Considerations and Incentives: Purchase versus lease, unpack the details of the Connecticut Residential Solar Incentives, Federal Tax incentives, and how homeowners can benefit from selling excess energy back to the grid or enabling their batteries to be used to meet peak demand.
- Roof Considerations: Assess the suitability of various roof types for solar installations, from traditional asphalt shingles to metal and tile.
- Orientation and Pitch: Discover how the direction and angle of installation impact solar energy production, and learn best practices for maximizing output year-round.
- Mounting Options: Examine the pros and cons of roof mounts, ground mounts. Find out which mounting technique is right for your property.
Who Should Attend?
Homeowners looking to reduce energy bills or achieve energy independence, students and educators interested in renewable energy careers and STEM topics, and municipal and community leaders working on green initiatives.
Why Attend?
Renewable energy is no longer the technology of tomorrow—it’s the opportunity of today. Whether you want to lower your carbon footprint, save money, or simply stay informed about the latest trends in energy technology, this workshop series provides the knowledge and resources needed to make empowered decisions.
The Southbury Record 